Medical: How to “deal” with a staph infection?

CAUSES

Staph Infection Symptoms and Signs emedicinehealth.com“Staphylococcus bacteria (also termed staph) are responsible for a number of common infections. Staphylococcus is a genus of bacteria that is characterized by a round shape (coccus or spheroid shaped), Gram-stain positive, and found as either single cells, in pairs, or more frequently, in clusters that resemble a bunch of grapes. The genus name Staphylococcus is derived from Greek terms (staphyle and kokkos) that mean “a bunch of grapes,” which is how the bacteria often appear microscopically after Gram-staining. In 1884, Rosenbach first described and named the bacteria. …

Diseases Caused by Staphylococcus

..S. aureus strains also produce enzymes and toxins that likely cause or increase the severity of certain diseases. Such diseases include food poisoning, septic shock, toxic shock syndrome, and scalded skin syndrome. S. epidermidis strains, which usually do not cause infections, can cause infections in people whose immune system is suppressed. Patients who have any type of indwelling catheter or implanted device are also known to get S. epidermidis infections…”
What Is a Staph Infection?
By Anne L Fritz Medically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD everydayhealth.com“..But for some — especially those with open sores or cuts, compromised immune systems, or who have recently had surgery — staph bacteria can cause an infection that ranges from a mild skin rash to potentially life-threatening blood poisoning…”Staph infections – self-care at home nlm.nih.gov“..Staph germs can enter a break in the skin, such as cuts, scratches, or pimples. Usually the infection is minor and stays in the skin. But the infection can spread deeper and affect the blood, bones, or joints. Organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain can also be affected. Serious cases can be life-threatening…”

PREVENTION

Staph Infections and Prevention Tips For School and Recreation Staff and Volunteers Last Updated: 11.26.13 aahealth.org“…Staph Infection
An infection occurs when the staph bacteria enter the skin, usually through cuts, scrapes or other breaks in the skin (such as tattoos and body piercings). Infections may be in the form of folliculitis (infection around hair follicles), boils, impetigo or abscesses. Skin infections can be red, hot, swollen and tender and have pus or other drainage.

How Staph Spreads
Staph infections are spread by direct physical contact with the bacteria. The contact is frequently skin-to-skin, but it can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or personal items. Spread of staph infections has occurred through skin-to-skin contact when playing sports, such as football or wrestling, or from surfaces in gyms and locker rooms. Closely confined environments, such as day care centers, military barracks, homeless shelters and jails, are places where staph infections can spread easily. Spread has also occurred with people receiving tattoos.

Treatment
Staph infections are treatable. The treatment may include drainage of the infection site and/or treatment with antibiotics. There are antibiotics available for all forms of staph infections, including MRSA.

Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Bathe or shower once a day; if you’re an athlete, shower immediately after every game and practice.
Keep all skin injuries clean and bandaged until they are healed.
Don’t share any personal items, including towels and sports equipment.
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Sal: As I research this, I realized I had this many years ago. I got it from a local fitness gym, which I was laying down on a mat that wasn’t sanitized or clean. I had an open cut/sore, which allowed the “bacteria” (someone’s sweat) to enter this wound. I would later get this blue infection in my blood running up my thighs. The doctor told me if I came later, it wouldn’t infected my whole leg and would’ve caused serious infection-possibly imputation of my infected leg :(. I thank God that I came to the hospital in-time to prevent this infection getting worse.

Wash your hands: Staph infections are one of the main reasons why it is so important to frequently wash your hands. Use hot water and soap, and make sure you do a thorough job. A quick splash of water does not equate to clean hands.
Hand sanitizer: Always carry hand sanitizer whenever possible. Keep it in your purse, your school bag, briefcase or in your car. Hand sanitizer is very useful when soap and water aren’t available. You’ll often see hand sanitizer dispensers in public areas like the gym or the mall; don’t be afraid to use them!
Keep away from other people’s wounds: Avoid cuts and wounds on other individuals, especially if they are infected by Staph. The infection can be very contagious and can easily spread if you come in contact with the wound, or any liquid or pus from the wound.
Properly treat your own wounds: Make sure any cuts or wounds on your body are kept clean and bandaged properly until they are fully healed. Walking around with an open wound is an invitation for Staph bacteria to enter the wound and infect it. This can either occur from contact with someone with staph infection, or a contaminated object or surface.
Do not share personal items: Soap, razors, ointments and towels being shared with others puts you at a greater risk of developing a staph infection. If you loan a towel to a friend who has a staph infection, and some of the fluids or pus from the wound wipe onto your towel, it becomes contaminated. If you use the towel again before washing it, and it touches a wound of your own, it’s highly likely that you’ll develop a staph infection as well.
Disinfect areas that can easily be contaminated: Lockers, gym and athletic equipment, and bathrooms are areas that are filled with germs. Use disinfectant cleaners, sprays and wipes as often as possible and be mindful of the bacteria in such areas. If you plan on using a public shower, like in a gym locker room, make sure you wear slippers or some other type of cover for your feet.
Avoid shared athletic equipment: Athletes are at a high risk for developing a staph infection because of the amount of bacteria that can be transferred through a piece of equipment. Avoid any loaner equipment like helmets, gloves, shoes or pads. If loaner equipment must be used, make sure it is sprayed and wiped down with disinfectant spray and wipes.
Wash anything that has a higher possibility of carrying Staph bacteria immediately: Gym clothes, athletic apparel and clothing used in a hospital setting should be washed with hot water as soon as possible. This reduces the risk of developing a staph infection due to contaminated clothing.
Visit the doctor: Don’t be afraid of paying a visit to the doctor if you feel there is a possibility you have a staph infection. Do not try to drain the liquid from a sore or boil yourself. If you notice that staph infections are being spread from one family member to another, notify your physician immediately.
Drink plenty of water: Try to drink anywhere between eight to ten glasses of water each day to help flush out bacteria from your body. Consuming more water each day also has many other health benefits….

TREATMENT

Alternative Remedies for MRSA and Staph staph-infection-resources.com“…Boosting the Immune System – Boosting the immune system is a critical component for many when it comes to overcoming MRSA and Staph infections. This is an often overlooked element to preventing the widespread problem of recurring infections. You can find out more about your immune system and how to support it in the Prevention section of this website. ..”
*see Health: How to boost one’s immune system?10 Home Remedies For Staph Infection By – amangupta2503 searchhomeremedy.com“Top 10 Home Remedies for Staph Infection
Apple Cider Vinegar

A mixture can be prepared by adding apple cider vinegar (1/4th cup) and honey (4 – 5 teaspoons) in water (2 cups) and consumed 2 to 3 times in a day to treat staph infection.An individual can create a solution by mixing apple cider vinegar with baking soda and apply this solution with the help of a cotton swab on the affected area to deal with the problem of staph infection.
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“…Garlic

An individual can apply crushed garlic cloves on the affected area to deal with staph infection. Garlic oil can also be directly applied on the affected area to obtain effective results.
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Some of the most promising research in recent years has been in the area of using lauric acid or monolaurin, both derived from coconut oil, in treatments for antibiotic resistant super germs. One study was conducted at Georgetown University by Dr. Harry Preuss in 2005. Dr. Mary Enig writes:…”